SUPPORTERS fear Crewe Alex’s freeze on season ticket prices will not be enough to tempt disillusioned fans back to Gresty Road.

The Alex have made no increase to the cost of season tickets for the third consecutive year.

Their prices are among the lowest in League One, and cheaper than those offered for seating at League Two neighbours Macclesfield Town.

But supporters’ group Crewe ASi reckon Railwaymen chiefs should have done more to arrest the slide in attendance figures.

Spokesman Marco Criscuolo said: “We are pleased that prices have not gone up. And we are delighted to see the offer for adults and kids in the Family Stand.

“But we had been hoping for a little more after a season in which we miraculously snatched survival.

“We thought the club might do something to seduce the growing number of those who will decide not to buy a season ticket.

“Maybe an ‘early bird’ deal? Buy two, get one reduced? An ‘all games’ season ticket?

“We shall continue to explore, in discussion with the club, ways of making it easier for those who want to be Alex supporters. In the meantime, we ask people to continue to support the club.”

Although not all clubs have yet announced prices for season tickets for the 2008/09 campaign, it is already clear Crewe’s rates are highly competitive.

An adult can get admission to every home league game for £285, while other prices include senior citizens at £212, disabled £212, 17 to 19-year-olds £170, 12 to 16-year-olds £70, U11s £50 and full-time students £85.

The adult ticket works out at £12.39 per game. With single match tickets remaining at £19, that is the equivalent of eight free games for the campaign. Matchday tickets for members are £16.

Only Swindon, Milwall and Hartlepool offer marginally cheaper seats, while even the early deals – due to increase substantially – offered by the likes of Cheltenham (£350), Northampton (£350), Oldham (£379) and Brighton (£362) are far more expensive.

In addition, Crewe have stepped up their bid to recruit young supporters by reclaiming the Wulvern Housing Family Stand for home fans.

There, season tickets for an adult together with an U11 child are just £285 in total. Further U11s tickets are then £45 each, and the family group will have the use of the executive suite .......................above the stand.

Alex chairman John Bowler said: “We are very disappointed with the club’s performance last season. We will not make excuses. We are identifying lessons to be learnt.

“We are not increasing season ticket prices and membership fees for the third year in succession. This represents a significant discount in real terms.

“Our admission prices will be even more competitive in relation to other League One clubs. We hope to attract more families to the Alexandra Stadium.”

Existing season ticket holders have until July 4 to reserve their seat. The Alex Ticket Office can be contacted on 01270 252610.